Referees take centre stage as St Mirren capitalise on United’s frosty reception

Dundee United headed to Dumfries to face Queen of the South looking to keep a hot streak of form going but the cold was the winner after the contest was abandoned at half-time.

Csaba Laszlo’s side had created the better of the chances but, with the scoreline blank, referee Craig Thomson opted to call things off during the interval.

Thomson, who discussed the state of the artificial pitch with the hosts’ John Rankin and experienced United striker Scott Mcdonald before the interval, said: “At the start the surface was fine but as the temperature dropped the pitch started to get hard and a layer of frost could be seen. A number of players expressed concern and at the break I had a good look and I decided that it was not safe to continue.”

Laszlo said: “We were in control and had the better opportunities so I am disappointed that the game did not continue. However, if the risk of injury was high the referee made the right decision.”

Doonhamers manager Gary Naysmith said: “I am not sure if it was the right decision but I accept the reasons for it being made. Craig is a highly experienced referee and he has told us it is only the second game he has abandoned and the first one on an artificial pitch.

“Dundee United had been the better team but we were looking forward to going out and changing that.”

Astatementfromqueens added: “The game is not expected to be played until the end of January at least.”

Referee Craig Charleston was also much talked about as St Mirren took over at the top with a 1-0 homewinover Dunfermline.

Charleston annoyed the Buddies after just nine minutes when he brandished only a yellow card at Pars goalkeeper Sean Murdoch after Gavin Reilly was wiped out just outside the box.

The Paisley side’s mood improved seven minutes from the break when Reilly, Kyle Magennis and Lewis Morgan combined to set up Cammy Smith, pictured, who netted from close range. It was Dunfermline’s turn to be angry with Charleston midway through the second half when Ryan Williamson hit the turf with Adam Eckersley in close attendance. A penalty was awarded and Kallum Higginbotham was all set to try his luck, but after a debate with an assistant Charleston changed his mind and booked Williamson for simulation. St Mirren held on for the win.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle jumped above Dumbarton and into seventh place thanks to their 1-0 win in the Highlands over the Sons, Carl Tremarco on target.

Livingston stayed third despite a third consecutive game being postponed, with their home contest against Morton frozen out. The meeting between the bottom two – Falkirk v Brechin City –was also postponed.